A brainchild of the Election Commission of India, the approach was readily accepted by the corporation, which saw only 45 per cent turnout in 2012 polls.
Taking into account the poor voter turnout marring the civic polls, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to change gears. In a pro-social approach, the civic body on Friday, announced an array of competitions and public awareness campaigns for the municipal polls — expected to be staged before March 2017.
The BMC has decided to stage competitions like innovative ideas, essay, slogans and micro-films. Entries are invited from Mumbaikars on topics, including 100 per cent voters registration, maximum voting, transparent-prudent voting and clean candidate-voter.
A brainchild of the Election Commission of India, the approach was readily accepted by the corporation, which saw only 45 per cent turnout in 2012 polls.
"It is for the first-time that the BMC is doing something on such lines. We want the public to get involved in these polls, so as to make them responsible and proactive," said assistant municipal commissioner Sanjog Kabre.
Kabre claimed that the initiative was bound to woo new and young voters across the city, who will then set a trend of responsible and compulsory voting in the future as well.
According to the rules, any resident of Mumbai can participate in the competitions. Any individual can submit essays on the four topics limited to a 250 word count each, 20 slogans, a single drawing or sketch, a microfilm — not more than 90 seconds.
Citizens must submit their entries on August 4, in any of the 98 civic-run schools in Mumbai.
"There are three cash-prizes reserved for each section of the competitions. The results will be announced publicly after August 31," the official added.
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